Sleep deprivation

Sleep deprivation occurs when you don't get enough sleep, impacting your overall health and well-being. If you are sleep deprived due to busy schedules, stress, underlying medical conditions or sleep disorders, it can significantly affect your daily life.

Sleep deprivation is more than just feeling tired; it’s not getting enough quality sleep over a period that can lead to serious health issues if not addressed.

Advocate Health Care’s Sleep Centers in Chicago are here to help you overcome sleep deprivation. Our team of sleep specialists have access to the latest technology and sleep studies to help you end your sleepless nights and turn them into restful ones.

Contact us to schedule a consultation about sleep deprivation.

What are the five stages of sleep deprivation?

There are five stages of sleep deprivation. The longer you go without sleep, the more severe the sleep deprivation effects are:

• Stage 1 (24 hours without sleep): You might start feeling drowsy and irritable. Concentration becomes challenging, and your ability to make decisions is impaired. This stage often comes with physical symptoms of sleep deprivation like yawning and a heavy head.
• Stage 2 (36 hours without sleep): Your sense of balance and coordination may start to deteriorate. Mood swings, increased irritability and a higher risk of accidents are common. Sleep deprivation symptoms become more pronounced, and simple tasks seem difficult.
• Stage 3 (48 hours without sleep): You begin to experience microsleeps, brief periods of sleep that occur involuntarily. Cognitive functions such as memory and decision-making are severely impaired. You may also start experiencing sleep deprivation headaches and mood disturbances.
• Stage 4 (72 hours without sleep): At this point, you may suffer from severe cognitive lapses, memory issues and sleep deprivation hallucinations. This stage often leads to sleep deprivation psychosis, where reality becomes distorted.
• Stage 5 (Beyond 72 hours): Prolonged sleep deprivation can result in severe mental and physical health problems. Chronic sleep deprivation can weaken your immune system, leading to increased susceptibility to illnesses. Medical attention is crucial at this stage.

Sleep studies for sleep deprivation

If you're suffering from sleep deprivation, your doctor may order a sleep study to help diagnose the problem. A sleep study monitors your sleep patterns, breathing, and other vital signs while you sleep. This testing can identify underlying conditions such as sleep apnea, insomnia, or restless legs syndrome that might be contributing to your sleep deprivation.

Sleep deprivation treatment

Your doctor will recommend sleep deprivation treatments that address your symptoms and any underlying causes. Effective sleep deprivation treatment can include:

• Improving sleep habits: Establish a regular sleep schedule, create a comfortable sleep environment and limit exposure to screens before bedtime.
• Medical interventions: In some cases, medications or therapies may be necessary to treat underlying sleep disorders.
• Lifestyle changes: Regular exercise, a balanced diet and stress management techniques can significantly help you get quality sleep.
• Professional help: Consulting a sleep specialist or your provider can provide personalized treatment plans and support.
• Inspire^® therapy: If sleep apnea is a cause of your sleep deprivation, your doctor may recommend surgery to place a small, fully implanted device that senses breathing patterns and delivers mild and painless stimulation to keep the airways open during sleep.

Addressing sleep deprivation is essential for maintaining your overall health and preventing serious illness. Advocate Health Care’s Sleep Centers will tailor your sleep deprivation treatment to your specific needs.

Our clinics are easy to access from across the Chicago area. Find a sleep clinic near you.